Blog Topic: IT Leadership

Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Strategies for Building a Resilient Organization

Discover key strategies to fortify your organization against a tough cybersecurity landscape. Learn how to integrate cybersecurity into your company's DNA.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Organizational Resilience, Policies, Security Awareness

SEC Cybersecurity: Guidance for Compliance

SEC cybersecurity guidance for new disclosure rules and regulations. Ensure compliance, protect investor trust, and manage risks effectively.

CISO, Compliance, Cybersecurity, Finance, IT Leadership, vCISO

IT Leadership Redefined: How a vCIO Can Bridge the Gap and Drive Your Business Forward

Discover how a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) can bridge the gap between business strategies and IT infrastructure, driving your business forward.

CIO, Fractional Work, IT Leadership, vCIO

How to Prepare for AI in Your Organization

Learn how to prepare your organization for AI with actionable steps & expert guidance. Unlock the potential of AI to boost productivity & drive growth.

AI, IT Leadership

HBS Continues as Iowa Cybersecurity Leader

HBS is proud to be a leading Iowa cybersecurity partner, powered by a local SOC, the Secure Iowa Conference and more than 15 years of protecting Iowa organizations.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership

Developing an AI Risk Management Framework

Learn to develop an AI Risk Management Framework to ensure safe and effective AI deployment. Discover key elements and tips, and explore the NIST AI RMF.

AI, IT Leadership, NIST, Risk Management

AI Governance for Trustworthy AI Deployment

Unleash AI's potential responsibly. Learn what AI Governance is, why it's crucial, and how you can implement it.

AI, Compliance, Governance, IT Leadership, Risk Management

How to Have AI-Ready Data

Learn how to prepare your data for AI success with key strategies in data hygiene, collection, cleaning, and optimization.

AI, Data, IT Leadership

The Value of Effective Project Management

Project management is valuable, leading to a 250% increase in project success and 28x less wasted money. Effective project management is even better.

CIO, IT Leadership, Productivity, Project Management

The CISO Evolution

The role of CISO has evolved from a behind-the-scenes position to a key business enabler. Get insights from top CISOs on balancing security and everything else.

CISO, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership

What is a vCIO?

Discover how a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) can streamline your IT operations, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation at reduced costs.

Fractional Work, IT Leadership, vCIO

What Is a Human Firewall?

A Human Firewall is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Learn how to train employees to spot phishing, report suspicious activity, and build a strong security culture.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Security, Security Awareness

Why It Is Essential to Simplify Cybersecurity and How to Achieve It

Key principles to simplify cybersecurity without compromising security. How IT leaders can streamline their cybersecurity approach for effective protection.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Security

An IT Manager’s Guide to a Successful Audit

Learn from this overview of the audit process. Discover how IT management can insert themselves into this process to benefit from the exercise.

Audits, Compliance, IT Leadership

Navigating and Mitigating End of Life Software Risks

Using end of life (EOL) software increases your exposure to cyberattacks, data breaches, and compliance fines. Learn the risks, hidden costs, and best practices to manage outdated systems.

End of Life Software, IT Leadership, Security

Avoid Data Breaches in 2024: Key Takeaways from Some of 2023’s Biggest Cyberattacks

Explore key takeaways from 2023's significant cyberattacks to enhance your cybersecurity strategies and prevent data breaches in 2024.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Phishing, Ransomware, Security Awareness

CISO Best Practices: Navigating Incident Response, Technology Integration, and Vendor Management

Dive into a panel discussion of CISO best practices, tips, and habits. Insights on incident response, technology integration, and vendor management.

CISO, Incident Response, IT Leadership, Third-Party, vCISO

Meeting Digital Transformation Challenges

Digital transformation is no longer optional—it's a necessity.

IT Leadership

The Cornerstone of Success: Cultivating Organizational Resilience

Discover the pillars of resilience to keep your business robust amid challenges. Embrace continuity with expert strategies.

Business Continuity, Business Impact Analysis, Disaster Recovery, Incident Response, IT Leadership, Organizational Resilience

Elevating Your Cloud Security Strategy: Insights and Actions

Explore insights into enhancing cloud security, tackling challenges, and implementing strategic approaches for robust data protection in the cloud era.

Cloud, Data Safety, IT Leadership, Security

Securing the Future: The Convergence of Physical and Cyber Security

Explore how the convergence of physical and cyber security is essential to effectively manage the intertwined challenges of modern-day organizations.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Physical Security, Security

Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce: Meeting Today’s Challenges

Expert insights on the cybersecurity workforce—the importance of diverse skills, continuous learning, adapting to evolving threats in the industry.

CISO, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, vCISO

Inside the Des Moines Public Schools Ransomware Attack: Q&A with Director of Technology, Lisa Irey

Lisa Irey, the Director of Technology & Printing Services at Des Moines Public Schools, delves into the harrowing ransomware attack that made national headlines.

Data Safety, Education, Incident Response, Insurance, IT Leadership, Ransomware, Schools

How You Can Improve Your Cybersecurity Posture: Insights from Leading CISOs

Dive into a candid discussion with CISOs from various industries as they share their strategies and experiences in optimizing cybersecurity posture.

CISO, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, vCISO

The Evolution of Collaboration: The Shift to Hybrid Work

Learn about the shift towards hybrid work and the challenges it brings. This article delves into how HBS’s Collaborate with Webex solution is shaping the future of collaboration.

Cloud, Collaboration, IT Leadership, Remote Work, Webex

Integrated Business Solutions: How Microsoft AI Tools Can Help Meet Key Sales, Operations, and Customer Engagement Challenges

Discover how AI integration elevates operational efficiency and transforms sales, with insights on Microsoft's suite for modern businesses.

AI, Copilot, IT Leadership, Microsoft

Remove IT Bottlenecks — Embrace the Citizen Development Era

Reduce IT backlogs and boost innovation with Citizen Development. Learn how low-code, no-code, and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot empower your team.

Development, IT Leadership, SaaS Security

Keeping Information Security at the Heart of IT Strategy

Explore insights from a panel discussion with top infosec leaders from Ruan, Intoxalock, and Growers Edge, highlighting the critical integration of information security in corporate strategy.

IT Leadership, Security, Third-Party

How Should I Respond to My Clients’ Security Requests?

Vendors are often asked to fill out several security questionnaires by multiple clients. We put together 5 Guidelines for responding to client security risks.

IT Leadership, Risk Management, Third-Party

Employee Responsibilities in Information Security

Employees are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Learn how targeted security awareness training and an employee security quiz can reduce risks, prevent social engineering attacks, and strengthen your organization's security culture.

Cybersecurity, Education, IT Leadership, Security Awareness

7 Tips for Building a Cybersecurity Culture

Educate and motivate every employee to make security part of their daily responsibility rather than counting on IT to handle it on their own.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Security Awareness

CISO Insights of Cybersecurity Executives

Leading information security executives gathered at the 10th Annual HBS Secure Iowa Conference 2022 to discuss the corporate and technical role of the CISO.

CISO, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, vCISO

Establish Cybersecurity Culture On An Employee’s First Day

Learn how to prioritize cybersecurity during employee onboarding and how HR and IT collaboration can create a cybersecure work environment from day one.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Security Awareness

Incident Response Tabletop Exercise and Scenarios

Enhance your cybersecurity with our realistic tabletop exercises. Practice incident response and identify plan changes with our sample scenarios.

Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Incident Response, IT Leadership

How to Choose a Virtual CISO

Choose the right virtual CISO for your organization by looking for these traits of a pro ready to give executive-level guidance to your cybersecurity strategy.

CISO, Fractional Work, IT Leadership, vCISO

Key Steps in Business Impact Analysis

Discover how to conduct an effective business impact analysis that will point you toward the right investments for your overall risk assessment strategy.

Business Impact Analysis, IT Leadership, Organizational Resilience

How to Conduct an Effective Tabletop Exercise

Discover tips for running a tabletop exercise that effectively tests your incident response plan and prepares your team for a real breach.

Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Incident Response, IT Leadership

Your Best Practices for Information Security Risk Assessments

If you’re considering how to get the most value from your information security risk assessment—or whether you even need one—use these best practices.

Audits, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Risk Assessment

How to Create an IT Incident Response Plan

Learn how to create an effective IT incident response plan with these guidelines, including links to key standards and templates.

Business Continuity, Incident Response, IT Leadership, NIST, Policies

Why an Information Security Policy, Standards, and Procedures Should Be Top Priority

How can a strong information security policy, standards, and procedures protect your business, ensure compliance, and reduce risks? We'll show you.

CMMC, IT Leadership, Policies, Security

10 Questions with a CMMC Registered Practitioner

Learn how changes in CMMC 2.0 affect you in this conversation with a CMMC Registered Practitioner.

CMMC, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Policies, Risk Management

Your 2025 CISO Roadmap

Plan your organization's cybersecurity for 2025 with an actionable roadmap. Quarterly milestones, best practices, and ongoing essentials to build resilience.

CISO, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Policies

How to Test Your Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

Here’s how to choose the right test in order to confirm that your cybersecurity incident response plan actually works like you think it will.

Cybersecurity, Education, Incident Response, IT Leadership

IT Security Single Pane of Glass: Aspirational or Achievable?

Is it possible to achieve a SPoG? How smart integrations and continuous improvement bring your organization closer to complete visibility and control.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Security

What to Include in an Effective BYOD Policy

Discover key concepts that should guide your BYOD policy. Write a clear BYOD policy with these tips to protect. company data accessed through personal devices.

Authentication, BYOD, IT Leadership, Policies, Security

The IT Audit Process

Take steps to fully understand the phases of your audit to ensure that you have the appropriate resources and input available at each stage.

Audits, Education, IT Leadership, Risk Assessment

How to Streamline Vendor Management Requests

Save your organization time with these tips that will help you streamline responses to vendor management requests about your security policies.

CMMC, IT Leadership, Risk Management, Third-Party

The Security Challenges of IoT

The security risks of IoT (Internet of Things) devices must be a key part of the security plan in every business and home-office setting.

Authentication, BYOD, Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Operational Technology, Security

Why Consider Live Acquisition for Your Next Digital Forensics Case

Explore the evolving landscape of digital forensics, including live system analysis and the impact of encryption. Learn how technology changes have shifted our approach to forensic examinations.

Digital Forensics, Incident Response, IT Leadership, Security

How to Train Employees With Simulated Phishing Campaigns

80% of security breaches stem from phishing attacks. Learn how to create an effective phishing campaign for your organization.

Email, IT Leadership, Phishing, Security Awareness

Analyzing and Assessing Third-Party Security Reports

Assessing and analyzing third-party vendors should be a top priority. Here are a few things to consider while reviewing a vendor's security program.

IT Leadership, Risk Management, Security, Third-Party

Why You Should Make Information Security Decisions Based on Risk, Not Fear

To properly manage cybersecurity risk, we must understand the likelihood that a security incident will occur and the potential resulting impact.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, NIST, Risk Management, Security

5 Reasons Why a Virtual CISO (vCISO) May Be Right for Your Business

Learn how a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) can help you improve your existing security strategy and maintain high standards of compliance.

CISO, Fractional Work, IT Leadership, vCISO

IT Control Gap Analysis

Discover the pillars of resilience to keep your business robust amid challenges. Embrace continuity with expert strategies.

Audits, CIO, IT Leadership, Risk Assessment

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Now Including Cyber Security Due Diligence as Best Practice

If you are considering acquiring a company, make sure you consider all of the factors that impact valuation, including cybersecurity practices and technologies.

Cybersecurity, Finance, IT Leadership, Risk Management

AI Risk Management: Secure Iowa Panel Recap

Insights from Secure Iowa’s AI Risk Management panel—from shadow AI and governance to vendor risk and ethical concerns.

AI, Governance, IT Leadership, Risk Management

Is It Time for a Fractional Project Manager?

A fractional project manager gives you project leadership when you need it, without the overhead of a full-time hire. Is it right for you? Find out here.

Fractional Work, IT Leadership, Productivity, Project Management

What to Expect in NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5

What's new with the NIST's Special Publication (SP) 800-53 Revision 4, Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations?

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, NIST

Security Requirements of Vendors and Clients

As security awareness rises, so do expectations of vendors and clients. Organizations have begun including information security in their due diligence process.

IT Leadership, Risk Management, Security, Third-Party

Fractional IT Leadership: Smart, Strategic, and Scalable

Get top-tier IT leadership without the full-time cost. Fractional IT leaders provide strategic planning, security oversight, and digital transformation expertise—on your terms.

Fractional Work, IT Leadership, vCIO, vCISO

The True Role of an Information Security Professional

Information security professionals must understand their role in helping business leaders balance the risk vs reward equation when evaluating cybersecurity efforts.

IT Leadership, Security

What Is Penetration Testing? A Complete Guide for IT Leaders

Penetration testing helps uncover real security risks before attackers do. Learn what it involves, how it works, and how to find the right testing partner.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Penetration Testing

Your Definitive Guide to Managed IT Services

Learn what Managed IT Services are and how they can help you save time and resources while improving your team’s productivity, efficiency, and security.

Fractional Work, IT Leadership, Managed One, Managed Services, Managed XDR

Top 5 Components of a Strong Information Security Awareness and Training Program

It's a great time to provide information security awareness and training for your organization’s employees for the defense of your networks and information.

Governance, IT Leadership, Security Awareness

IT Strategy Roadmap: Why Every Business Needs One

Struggling with IT alignment, security, and innovation? An IT strategy roadmap means optimize resources, scalable business growth, and digital transformation.

IT Leadership

An Overview of the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool

The FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool provides a framework to determine risks, measure information security efforts, and determine progress toward goals.

Governance, IT Leadership, Organizational Resilience, Policies, Risk Management

Learning from 2024’s Cyberattacks to Secure Your 2025

Explore lessons from 2024’s most significant cyberattacks. Learn how to strengthen your defenses with actionable insights and prepare for a safer 2025.

Cybersecurity, IT Leadership, Phishing, Ransomware

Internal vs. External Threats – Which One Worries You More?

Your organization must determine whether to be more worried about information security threats from internal or external sources. Take a balanced approach.

IT Leadership, Risk Management, Security

Benefits of a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO)

The use of a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is becoming more popular. Information security is critical to protect your company.

CISO, Fractional Work, IT Leadership, vCISO, vSE

The Centralization-Decentralization Cycle

Learn about switching from a centralized approach to IT and information security to a de-centralized approach. Evaluate which type of change to make and why.

IT Leadership, Security